The Bureau of Reclamation will lower the level of Lake Moovalya, the small body of water behind Headgate Rock Dam north of Parker, Arizona, by approximately one foot in elevation for a two-week period beginning in early January 2013. Reclamation is coordinating this activity with the Bureau of Indian Affairs to allow the Colorado River Indian Tribes to perform annual maintenance on their area canals.

The temporary drawdown is expected to have only minimal impacts on releases from Parker Dam and will not affect Colorado River flows below Headgate Rock Dam.

The drawdown is scheduled to begin Monday morning, January 7, 2013. The one-foot drop should be completed by Monday afternoon, but environmental conditions could vary the drawdown time.

During the drawdown, the Lake Moovalya water level will stay at approximately elevation 363.40 feet; it is normally at elevation 364.40 feet. The lake should return to its normal elevation by Tuesday, January 22, 2013; however, a return to normal elevation may occur sooner or later based on operational or environmental conditions.

All river users should remember that fluctuating or lower than normal river flows may expose or create natural hazards such as moving sandbars, gravel bars, unstable riverbanks, floating or submerged debris, or other unfamiliar obstacles. As always, caution should be exercised while using the river.

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Reclamation is the largest wholesale water supplier and the second largest producer of hydroelectric power in the United States, with operations and facilities in the 17 Western States. Its facilities also provide substantial flood control, recreation, and fish and wildlife benefits. Visit our website at www.usbr.gov and follow us on Twitter @USBR.